A laundrette in Orchard Walk, Port Erin was severely damaged by fire last night.

Crews were sent to Poshwash at about 10pm, and faced what the Fire and Rescue Service calls 'a serious incident', which had the potential to spread to ajoining shops.

A live gas main was found inside and people were moved from the surrounding area as a precaution.

Flames were prevented from spreading, via the roof, to the shops and the blaze was brought under control in about half an hour.

Nobody was injured, but the shops on either side of Poshwash were seriously smoke logged.
Five fire appliances, from Port Erin, Castletown and Douglas, dealt with the incident and Police, Water Authority and Gas personnel were also present.

Crews stayed at the scene until after midnight, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.